Fair Work Inspectors target Wollongong

The Fair Work Ombudsman has conducted a series of
unannounced audits in Wollongong.

Over the past three days, Fair Work inspectors have visited more
than 80 businesses in the Wollongong central business district.

Inspectors interviewed business operators and workers and
assessed records to check workers are receiving their lawful
entitlements, including minimum hourly rates, penalty rates,
overtime and allowances.

Compliance with record-keeping and pay slip laws was also
checked.

The Fair Work Ombudsman also contacted a number of young workers
identified in recent media reports to obtain intelligence that
assisted with selecting businesses for audit.

The campaign also included audits of a number of businesses
selected at random.

Inspectors this week focussed on industries that employ many
young workers, including retail, take-away food and
restaurants.

The fair Work Ombudsman stated that "A number of this week's
audits could lead to full investigations and businesses with
serious non-compliance issues could face formal enforcement
action."

Are you at risk of big fines and expensive
penalties?

Fair Work Inspectors may issue on the spot infringement
notices where they reasonably believe an employer has contravened
the record-keeping and pay slip obligations contained in the Fair
Work Act 2009 and the Fair Work Regulations 2009.

Fair Work Inspectors can also recommend taking matters to
court.

Employers risk penalties of up to $54,000 for each breach
of the Fair Work Act 2009.